The Dodgers have apprently lost hope in re-signing right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who didn't want to take a paycut from the $12.5 million he made last season. Kuroda could return to Japan, a place where he'd surely take a paycut. Reports in Japan say he's been offered $3.86 million (300 million Yen) to pitch for the Hiroshima Carp in 2012.

Colletti said he's spoken to Kuroda's agent several times, but let those talks without a feeling of optimism in his chances of re-signing the pitcher.

"We have two issues. One is whether he wants to stay here and the other is whether we can afford to keep him," Colletti said. Colletti added the team's payroll needs to decrease from last season's $113 opening day payroll.

Kuroda was steadfast in his desire to remain a Dodger at the trade deadline last season, keeping him in Los Angeles. The Dodgers had hoped to re-sign Kuroda to a one-year deal, but he could return to his native Japan to play if the Dodgers can't meet his salary demands. Kuroda made $12 million in 2011, going 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA, down from the $15.4 million he made in 2010.